CENTERVILLE — On Tuesday, November 1, 2011 Steven Edward Stickler Jr, age 21, Kevin Lee Conn, age 22, and Jacoby Delmer Ballanger, age 18, all of Centerville were arrested and charged with Conspiracy to manufacture 5 grams or less of methamphetamine a Class C Felony.
At approximately 10:25 p.m. an Officer with the Centerville Police Department was conducting routine business checks at Smith Fertilizer and Grain located at 1605 South 24th Street. The officer noticed an individual running from the location of an anhydrous ammonia tank. Further investigation revealed that the tank had been tampered with and was leaking anhydrous ammonia.
Stickler, Conn and Ballanger were located in the immediate area of Smith Fertilizer and were questioned in regards to the theft. As a result of the investigation it was determined that the three individuals had entered into a common scheme to manufacture methamphetamine.
Stickler, Conn and Ballanger were transported to the Appanoose County Jail where they are currently being held with a bond of $50,000.00.
Agencies assisting the Centerville Police Department with this investigation included the Appanoose County Sheriff’s Office, Appanoose County Attorney and the South Central Iowa Drug Task Force.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
